However you slice it, nothing adds wow-factor like a slick of bold red lippy. It can make you look pulled together in literal seconds, even if you haven’t got a lick of makeup on, but also adds the perfect finishing touch to a full glam look if you need to take your makeup game from a 10 to an 11.
Whatever you need from it, it always delivers – if you’re working with the right formula, that is.
We expect a lot from our lipsticks these days: We want them to be as pigmented as they are comfortable, and as weightless as they are long-wearing. A pretty tall order, really. But hey, some lipsticks do have the chops to live up to our sky-high expectations, and we’ve tracked down the very best.
Here are the eleven most gorgeous yet reliable red lipsticks on the scene…
2025’s Top 3 Red Lipsticks
- M.A.C Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $Price, $40, Myer
- Estée Lauder Pure Color Cream Lipstick in ‘Carnal’, $66, Sephora
- Clarins Joli Rouge Satin Lipstick in ‘742’, $59, Myer
M.A.C Lipstick in ‘Ruby Woo’
From $40 at Myer
One of the best-selling and most beloved red lipsticks among the beauty community, this little wonder is the perfect classic red, with blue undertones which make teeth look noticeably whiter (always a welcome plus).
Key features:
- Ultra-longwearing
- Recently reformulated to sit comfortably
- Enriched with coconut oil and organic shea and cocoa butters
Available at:
- $40 from Myer
- $40 from Adore Beauty
- $40 from The Iconic
Estée Lauder Pure Color Creme Lipstick in ‘Carnal’
From $66 at Sephora
If you’re going to make the red lipstick splurge, then this is where to do it. Not only does it coat lips with a stunning shade of fire engine red, but it feels so creamy and hydrating that the price tag is well justified.
Want to read more? Read Estée Lauder Reviews here…
Key features:
- Designed to flatter all skin tones
- Formulated with a moisture lock complex
- Enriched with raspberry seed, meadowfoam seed and apricot seed oils
Available at:
- $66 from Sephora
- $66 from Estée Lauder
- $66 from David Jones
Clarins Joli Rouge Satin Lipstick in ‘742’
From $59 at Myer
Not only is this lippy ultra-chic (hello, check out that luxe case), but with a skin first-focus the ingredients in this lipstick will help to nourish and moisturise, all while looking seriously stunning.
Want to read more? Read Clarins Joli Rouge Satin Lipstick Reviews here…
Key features:
- Housed in a stunning refillable shell
- Designed with a skin care focus
- Made from 80 per cent natural origin ingredients
Available at:
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in ‘Alarm’
From $17.95 at Priceline
A long-wear lippy worthy of ‘one swipe wonder’ status, it’s the kind of Old Hollywood red you’d expect to see gracing a red carpet, and it’ll stay put through all your coffee-drinking and afternoon snacking; an absolute blessing.
Want to read more? Read Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick Reviews here…
Key features:
- Glossy finish
- 8 hour wear
- Creamy formula
Available at:
- $17.95 from Priceline
- $18 from Big W
- $14.95 (usually $17.95) from Chemist Warehouse
L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Made For Me Intense in ‘Perfect Red’
From $24.99 at Priceline
If you’ve ever wondered what lipstick Eva Longoria is wearing, it’s likely a shade of L’Oréal Paris Color Riche. So, if you’re looking for seriously hydrating, ultra-pigmented coverage then this flattering on all skin tones colour is truly the perfect red.
Want to read more? Read L’Oréal Paris Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with omega 3 and vitamin E
- Highly pigmented
- Chic gold case
Available at:
- $14.99 (usually $24.99) from Priceline
- $14.99 (usually $24.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Giorgio Armani Lip Power Lipstick in ‘400’
From $73 at Myer
If you’re like us, your lipstick tip always ends up shaped in weird and wonderful ways as you try and get it precisely to the edge of your lips. Well, Giorgio Armani have been smart enough to do the leg work for us by creating a precise drop shape bullet. Basically, a life saver when it comes to a bold red lip.
Key features:
- Buildable colour
- Satin finish
- Drop shaped bullet for precise application
Available at:
- $73 from Myer
- $73 from Giorgio Armani
- $73 from Adore Beauty
LANCÔME L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in ‘French Bisou’
From $68 at LANCÔME
It’s near impossible to upstage Sienna Miller’s creamy blonde locks and dazzling white smile, but Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Cream red lipstick in the shade ‘French Bisou’ seems to have done it. If the BAFTAs were handing out an award for best smile, we think this hydrating, creamy and high-shine lipstick would’ve been a sure thing.
Want to read more? Read LANCÔME L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with hyaluronic acid
- Comfortable 18 hour wear
- Smooth and vibrant
Available at:
e.l.f O-Face Lipstick in ‘No Regrets’
From $24 at Priceline
The second letter in this clever little acronym does in fact stand for Lips. So, obviously we’re in for a good time with their lippies. Designed to keep your lips feeling comfortable with squalene and jojoba esters this rich red will give you the perfect satin-y finish.
Key features:
- Enriched with hydrating squalene and jojoba esters
- Comfortable to wear
- One swipe satin colour
Available at:
- $24 from Priceline
Revlon Super Lustrous™ Lipstick in ‘Love That Red’
From $27.95 at Myer
If you were a child dancer (and didn’t we all dabble?) then this was undoubtedly the shade of red that was passed around pre-stage debut. A truly iconic formula leaves your lips with a glossy lick of true red. The best part about it? It honestly doesn’t feel like you’re burdened with the red lip responsiblity.
Want to read more? Read Revlon Super Lustrous™ Lipstick Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with vitamin C and E
- Lightweight feel
- Minimises the appearance of lines
Available at:
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Lipstick in ‘Statement Red’
From $49 at David Jones
While Elizabeth Arden may be known for their top-tier skin care, you might not know that they do in fact have some equally compelling lipsticks. Designed not to bleed, this formula carries a delectable vanilla scent and because they’re the queens of skin care of course the formula is enriched with nourishing vitamin E and maracuja oil.
Want to read more? Read Elizabeth Arden Reviews here…
Key features:
- Formulated with advanced ceramide complex
- Vanilla scented
- Chiseled-tip bullet
Available at:
- $49 from David Jones
Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lip in ‘Red-Hot’
From $26.99 at Adore Beauty
With red lipstick somehow more than all the other colours, you really run the risk of losing it to your drink bottle or coffee cup lid. Well, we’re hear to put that to rest, thanks to this incredibly transfer-proof liquid lipstick. This still comfortable to wear formula stays put for 16 hours of wear and has even gotten Gigi Hadid’s seal of approval at the Met Gala no less!
Want to read more? Read Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lip Reviews here…
Key features:
- No-budge formula
- 16 hour wear
- Gigi Hadid-approved
Available at:
- $26.99 from Adore Beauty
- $13.50 (usually $27) from Woolworths
- $13.49 (usually $26.99) from Priceline
How do you apply flawless red lipstick?
Look, we get it, red lipstick is one of the hardest beauty looks to master. So, when we say you’re not alone in your fears of a bold red lip, we really mean it. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go every so often!
Our top tips? First up, line your lips, it’s a god send for literally colouring within the lines. Secondly, blot. Yep, you’re going to want to get a tissue, fold it in half and gum it with your lips. Yes, we know, it’s a weird image but we swear it’s going to help solidify the colour once you’ve followed with another lick of lippy. And finally, keep q-tips and concealer on hand for any touch ups you might need!
Main Image Credit: Getty
Do you wear red lipstick? Do you have a favourite red formula?
Soft pinks for me, no matter what the fashion. I really do look revolting with red lips.
Love a good red lip, although yet to master it on myself. Love that a whole lot of different price points were covered in this one, too.
Yes I agree
Bright red lipstick tends to look garish on me. I envy those who can wear it well.
Exactly how I feel. Good for those who can wear it well.
Red isn’t my shade with my pale older skin
The Elf red looks nice, the others are too red for me
A red lip is not for me.
I can’t pull off red lips as much as I’d like to!
The Revlon one looks lovely and isnt crazy expensive.
Yes I like it as well.
Red not for me.